Congratulations on deciding to build your family through adoption. You are embarking on a wonderful journey that will begin with the challenge of paperwork and end with the joy of a child.
If you are looking to adopt a child through domestic adoption or international adoption, you must successfully complete a home study investigation through an authorized New York State adoption agency, such as Family Connections, Inc. The home study process can seem overwhelming but it does not have to be. The purpose of the home study investigation is:
- To prepare you for the addition of a child to your family through adoption. Your adoption social worker will discuss the many different aspects of adoption and the needs of the child.
- To ensure that an adopted child would be safe and nurtured in your home.
- To understand your adoption plan and the essence of who you and your family are so that the home study report can accurately state your adoption wishes and effectively reflect who you are.
There are 8 major components of the home study investigation process that help to assess your capacity to parent an adopted child:
- Face-to-Face Interview(s) with an Adoption Social Worker: It is required that you, your spouse and children (if any) along with any adult household members meet with the social worker in your home. The number of meetings will depend on the requirements of the country from which you are adopting and your family’s needs.
- Child Abuse, Criminal and Medical Clearances: Each prospective adoptive parent and adult household member must have: a) child abuse clearance from each state and country in which they have lived since their 18th birthday, b) sworn statements of criminal history and c) state and national criminal clearance. Each prospective adoptive parent, minor child in the home, and adult household members must have medical reports less than 6 months old at the time the home study investigation is complete.
- Evaluation of Home Environment: At least one social worker meeting must occur in your home to ensure that there is space in the home for an additional child and that the home environment is safe for a child.
- Analysis of Financial Resources: A review of your family’s income, assets, liabilities and insurances will be completed to ensure that you have the capacity to financially support another child.
- Review of Family, Social, Education, Employment, Marital and Parenting History: Your social worker will assess your capacity to parent in light of your history.
- Assessment of Training Needs and Completion of Adoption Training: All prospective adoptive parents are expected to participate in adoption training. Your social worker can refer you to appropriate opportunities.
- Verification of Birth, Marriage and Divorce (if any): The agency must confirm your birth, marriage, and divorce (if any) through documentation.
- References: A minimum of three positive references from individuals (not family members) who have known the family for a long period of time is required.
Your adoption agency will provide you with the paperwork necessary to complete the home study process. Thoroughly completing these documents and returning them in a timely manner will help ensure that the process moves along smoothly. Keep a copy of all documents and stay in touch with your home study agency to confirm you are doing all that is required.
Family Connections, Inc. would be pleased to support your family through the home study investigation process. To learn more about our home study services, please contact Anita or Renee at 1-800-535-5556 or renee@adoptfamilyconnections.org. You can also click below to receive our agency's bi-annual adoption magazine Family Connections that contains articles about the home study investigation process, domestic adoption, and international adoption.
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